Dear God,

Cody came in smelling like alcohol.

I demanded to know why.

He explained that he was a recovering alcoholic.

And when he got sad, he drank.

I asked him why he was sad.

He answered by saying

"Its life.

What is there not a time to be sad?"

Touche, my friend.

Touche.

When I told him that,

He laughed.

I made him promise to not drink after I was gone.

He never said promise back.

I'm scared for him.

Love,

Peyton

Peyton’s P.O.V

I sit anxiously on my bed, waiting for Cody to show up. He’s later than normal today, and I’m concerned. Finally, he walks in the door.

“Cody!” I exclaim, not being able to hide my excitement.

“Peyton!” he mocks, smiling at me.

There’s something off about his smile.

He steps closer and I can smell alcohol. His eyes are bloodshot and he looks exhausted.

“Cody,” I start suspiciously. “Why do you smell like alcohol?”

Cody shifts on his feet, trying to avoid the question. He sighs. “I’m an alcoholic.”

I put a hand over my mouth in shock. “Really? Do you still drink a lot?’

Cody rushes to explain. “No, I’m a recovering alcoholic. I kind of stopped when I met you. But I drink when I get sad.”

“Why are you sad?” I asked.

Cody laughs slightly. “It’s life. When is there not a time to be sad?”

Good point. “Touché, my friend, touché.”

Cody laughs and hugs me.

Later, I say, “Cody, promise me you won’t drink again? When I’m gone, you won’t drink. Promise?”

Cody simply kisses me, and I forget about the question. It’s not until later that I realize he never told me promise back. I’m scared. He better have promised.

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Cover on side made by @itsstephanie